neurons, neurotransmitters and neuromodulators Flashcards
WHAT ARE THE PARTS A NEURON? Dave Still AdMireS ATrocious Teddy Bears
D: dendrite
S: soma
A: axon
M: myelin
S: sheath
AT: axon terminal
TB: terminal buttons
DENDRITE?
receives incoming neural messages from other nerve cells
SOMA?
the body of the neuron, containing the nucleus with the genetic material of the neuron
AXON?
the pathway down the neural messages travels
MYELIN SHEATH?
- white, fatty substance that coats and helps insulate the axon
- allows the electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently.
AXON TERMINAL:
the exit pathway for neural messages to make their way to the next neuron
TERMINAL BUTTON?
releases a chemical substance (AKA neurotransmitters) to a receiving neuron.
NEUROTRANSMISSION?
the process of communication between neurons using electrochemical energy
THE PROCESS OF NEUROTRANSMISSION (BRIEF)
information is received at the dendrite
neuron -> resting potential
as the information comes in, it turns into an action potential (which goes travels down the axon) _> out to the axon terminal (exist)
terminal button (inside having multiple vesicles containing neurotransmitters) -> which then they release across the synapse
^ to be picked up by a receptor site on the dendrite
(LOOPS AGAIN)
THE ROLE OF NEUROTRANSMITTERS?
neurotransmitters are (micro) particles of chemical substances released by the terminal button of the neuron for neural communication
some neurotransmitters have excitatory effects, and some have inhibitory.
LOCK AND KEY PROCESS?
when a neurotransmitter is released, it finds the receptor on the post-synaptic neuron
each neurotransmitter binds with its own specific type of receptor
this process is called lock and key process which unlocks that receptor’s potential
EXCITATORY NEUROTRANSMITTER?
have excitatory effect on the neuron
this means that they increase the likelihood that the neuron will fire action potential
GLUTAMATE is a type of excitatory neurotransmitter
EXAMPLE OF AN EXCITATORY NEUROTRANSMITTER?
An example of an excitatory neurotransmitter is glutamate
glutamate sends signals to other cells to create large brain networks
helps formation and retrieval of memory
INHIBITORY NEUROTRANSMITTERS?
have inhibitory effects on the neuron
meaning that they decrease the likelihood of the neuron to fire action potential
GABA is an example of an inhibitory neurotransmitter
EXAMPLE OF AN INHIBITORY NEUROTRANSMITTER?
an example of an inhibitory neurotransmitter is GABA
GABA blocks or inhibits brain signals
and highly associated with calming feelings or anxiety
THE ROLE OF A NEUROMODULATOR?
a neuromodulator is a chemical messenger that enhances signal transmission
their impact lasts longer
chemicals (meaning they are released just the way neurotransmitters are)
DOPAMINE?
a neuromodulator involves in drive, motivation and pleasure
associated with addictive behaviors involving gambling
SEROTONIN?
a neuromodulator involves in mood stabilisation
-> important role in digestion, metabolism (and stress)
WHAT IS NEUROPLASTICITY?
the ability of the brain to change in response to experience
WHAT IS HIPPOCAMPUS? (LOCATION AND FOR)
- located in temporal lobe
- heavily involved in forming or encoding memories
DAMAGES TO HIPPOCAMPUS?
loss of range of memories
e.g. language, navigation abilities
